Shrubs and trees provide significantly more flowers for the ground space they take up as compared to annuals and perennials. In most cases they are easier to take care of and more reliable than perennials.

The suggestions we have made below are all deer resistant but then if a deer is hungry that may alter the situation.

In several of the pictures below we have picked out one of many, many varieties. The actual height and spread depends on the variety as do the growing instructions in some cases. Some of them will grow in part shade but usually they produce more flowers in sun and with the right soil and water.

One in particular deserves a special note. Most hydrangeas are sterile and so bees will not have anything to use there. Only the oak leaf variety and thetardivavariety have both fertile and sterile flowers. A great article on hydrangeas for bees can be found at:

Osmanthus (tea olive) also has many options. They bloom in late fall or early spring and are often fragrant. They differ widely in heights and widths. The one we have below can be a tree or kept as a shrub. There is one variety right next to the bicycle stand at the library. It has large, rubber tree-like leaves. Look at in November on a sunny day to see it covered with honey bees.